OFW Voters Registration Procedures | Department of Foreign Affairs

Here are the procedures for OFW Voters Registration. If you are outside the Philippines, all you need to do is to visit your nearest Philippine Embassy and Consulate or MECO to register.

Notice of Registration and Election

Notice is hereby given that under the Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003“, as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, all citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on May 13, 2019 and who are registered overseas voters, may vote for Senators and Party-List Representatives.

Qualifications for OFW Voters Registration

i) all citizens of the Philippines abroad who are at least eighteen (18) years of age on 13 May 2019, who is not a registered overseas voter and not otherwise disqualified by law;

ii) Those who have reacquired or retained their Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225 and other Filipino citizens with dual citizenship;

How to File the OFW Voters Registration

a. Personally appear at any Foreign Service Post (FSP) of the Republic of the Philippines or at any designated Registration Centre outside the FSP or in the Philippines. For an updated list of registration centres in the Philippines, please check COMELEC (www.comelec.gov.ph) and DFA-OVS (www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph) website.

Document Requirements for OFW

b. A valid Philippine Passport. In the absence of a passport, a Certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs certifying either of the following:

(1) that you have submitted documents that will warrant the issuance of a passport;

(2) that the applicant is a valid passport holder but is unable to produce it for a valid reason.

c. If you are a Seafarer, a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or any other document that will prove that you are a seafarer should also be submitted in addition to “a” and “b” above; and,

d. If you have availed of RA 9225, you should also provide a certified true copy of the signed Oath of Allegiance or Order of Approval submitted to the Embassy/Consulate in addition to “a” and “b” above.

The COMELEC may require additional data to establish your identity.

Where to File

Before the authorized representatives of the COMELEC at any of the FSPs and MECOs or in specifically designated field or mobile registration areas outside the FSP. You can also file your applications at any Registration Centres in the Philippines.

Deadline for Filing

For purposes of the 13 May 2019 elections you may file your application for registration/certification as an overseas voter from 1 December 2016 to 30 September 2018. Please inquire from any Embassy, Consulates, and Missions as to the exact scheduled registration days applicable to you.

For Seafarer Voters Registration

a. Personally appear at ANY FSPs and MECOs or at the designated Registration Centres in the Philippines. For an updated list of registration centres in the Philippines, please check COMELEC (www.comelec.gov.ph) and DFA-OVS (www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph) website.